As the girls stepped off the bus back at Mattituck High School Saturday night, “We are the Champions” began to blare over a portable speaker. The girls on the Mattituck/Southold girls lacrosse team began singing along as friends and family that had gathered to welcome home the state champions snapped photos. READ

South Jefferson did a remarkable job of defense, face guarding Mattituck/Southold’s Riley and Mackenzie Hoeg in Friday’s New York State Class D girls lacrosse semifinal. The Hoeg sisters, who have combined for 155 points this year, were held to no points.

Since Mattituck’s six-goal loss to Bronxville in last year’s New York State Class D girls lacrosse semifinals, the Tuckers have been itching to return to that stage. “Ever since that loss I think it’s been our motivation,” said senior midfielder Jane DiGregorio.

In the tradition of championship lacrosse teams, the Mattituck Tuckers raced onto the Hofstra Stadium field to mob, hug and congratulate their goalie, Shaun Howell, after securing the Long Island Class D boys title Saturday morning. READ

Patience is not only a virtue, but to play winning lacrosse, it just may be a necessity.

Both coaches clearly understood that, spending a good deal of their time on the sideline Saturday morning, reminding their players to remain patient when they had the ball. Mount Sinai’s Al Bertolone repeatedly yelled out the “p” word. “Patience! Patience!” he implored. “Stay patient!” READ